Albany Empire Announced as AFL Team Name and Logo

ALBANY, N.Y. - Albany AFL today announce the Albany Empire as the new name for the new Arena Football League (AFL) team in Albany. The Albany Empire represents the home team for the Capital of New York, the Empire State along with the power needed to be successful in the tough, fast-paced sport of Arena Football.

The team name was voted on by the community on TimesUnion.com and the Albany Empire name won the vote by a landslide, with 44% of the total votes. Phoenix came in at 21%, Fire at 20%, and Machine at 15%. There were over 11,500 unique votes submitted. The contest winner, determined by being the first person to submit the name at AlbanyAFL.com, was Brent Jackson. Brent won the ultimate Albany Empire prize pack including season tickets, an official team game helmet and personalized game home jersey.

Team Name Manifesto: Power gets more intense as it is confined. A wide river wedged through a tight canyon. Wind forced through a tunnel. Politicians squeezed into a small state capital. Power is why New York is the Empire State. There may be more prominent capitals and bigger cities, there is no better place for Arena Football. If Albany knows anything, it's the X's and O's of a good strategy, and the bloody knuckles of a good fight. We know that a committee of eight is more than enough to get things done and any more than that is just slowing things down. And we know power - where it comes from, how its used, and that it is the ultimate aphrodisiac. The AFL is coming home to Albany. But we aren't just fielding a team. We are BUILDING AN EMPIRE!

The unique Empire logo features the team's official colors, a fiery reddish orange, dark navy blue and grey accents. The logo encapsulates strength, versatility and boldness, with an attractive display of the Empire battle mask and shield, as well as a football. Designed by The Martin Group—an award-winning Upstate New York branding and integrated communications firm, with existing clients such as New Era Cap and Under Armour—the bold, yet attractive design conveys the inherent power of both the team, the sport and city it now represents.

The team's inaugural season motto "Building An Empire" will symbolize the organization's plans to create a product featuring a tough, hard-nosed football team alongside a world class entertainment experience, which will be the ultimate entertainment option for Capital Region residents and visitors. The Empire's Inaugural game is set for April 14, 2018 at 7pm at the Times Union Center. The Empire will take on the defending league champion, the Philadelphia Soul. More details on the 2018 schedule are planned to be announced shortly.

The team also announced that the Albany Empire Inaugural season will be presented by CDPHP, whose brand will be in lockstep with growing the Albany Empire brand. "This is exciting," said CDPHP President, John D. Bennett. "This town loves Arena Football and can't wait to be a part of every step of the inaugural season."

The Albany Empire is also proud to announce their partnership with TownSquare Media. All Albany Empire games will be broadcasted on Rewind 105.7FM, including a half hour pre-game and post-game show. There will also be a weekly coach's show that will broadcast on 104.5FM The Team on Saturday mornings during the season.

Team uniforms, mascot, dance team name and other core elements of the team's brand will be announced at a later date.

"Albany is a historic, proud and tough city that is passionate about football, said owner Ed Swyer." "We are excited to reveal the Albany Empire name and logo as the next addition to the sports landscape for our city."

"From day one, I proclaimed we are going to have a competitive football team and a world class entertainment experience, said owner Dan Nolan." "Now we have a tough, powerful identity to build our football and entertainment destination Empire around."

"The fact that the name Empire won the contest running away gives us confidence we have named the team in a manner consistent with the personality, history and status of our city, said owner George Hearst."

"This is a historic moment for the city of Albany," said owner Ron Jaworski. "We will make this city be proud of the Empire that the organization, fans and partners are going to build together."

"Nobody is more excited than me to have a name that will be consistent with the brand of football we plan to put on the field," said head coach Rob Keefe. "We will look tough and play tough, there's no question about it.

The team has updated its website and social medial with the announcement of the team name. The new website url is www.TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram handles are now @albany_empire.

T-shirts with the team name and logo are on sale now at the team website, www.TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Fans can secure season tickets for as low as $117 by calling 518-533-2200 or by going to the website. A limited number of great seats are still available! If you want to bring your organization or group to a game, fundraise, or perform on the field, group experiences are now on sale. Call for additional information.

About Albany Empire

The Arena Football League's newest franchise, Albany AFL will begin play in Spring 2018 at the Times Union Center. Season memberships for the inaugural 2018 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Albany Empire sales department at (518) 533-2200 or by going to TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/Albany_Empire and Twitter at twitter.com/Albany_Empire.

About Arena Football League

The Arena Football League will enter its 31st Season in 2018. Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. Teams slated for 2018 include: Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week, culminating with the ArenaBowl. The AFL launched AFLNow, the League's streaming "Over-the-Top" network to give fans even more access to the League on arenafootball.com. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball)

About Times Union Center

Albany's Times Union Center, formerly Pepsi Arena, continues to have great success. Renamed in January 2007, the The Times Union Center is "Upstate New York's Premier Sports and Entertainment Facility. Owned by Albany County and operated by SMG, the world's largest private management firm for public assembly facilities, the Times Union Center has an adaptable seating capacity between 6,000 and 17,500. Since Frank Sinatra christened the building on January 30, 1990, more than seven million patrons have walked through the turnstiles. As a multi-purpose facility, the Times Union Center has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, family shows and sporting events, averaging 165 events each year.

As the weather continues to heat up outside, so too will the Albany Empire's performance on the field. Don't miss out on the high-scoring, hard-hitting, action-packed game of Arena Football.